Saturday, April 2, 2011

Autism Blog Hop and Giveaway!

Welcome to the Autism Awareness Blog Hop! We are so glad you are joining us!!

The cause of this Blog Hop is very near and dear to all of us, and we all need to be aware that Autism is rapidly increasing in numbers in our children. 1 in every 100 children is diagnosed with Autism. It is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.

Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives

Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.

Today, on the 4th Annual World Autism Awareness Day, we are joining prominent buildings across North America and the world — including the Empire State Building in New York City and the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada — who will turn their lights blue to raise awareness for autism and to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day.

Light it up Blue is aiming to light the world blue all throughout April — city by city, town by town — by taking action to raise autism awareness in our communities.

So help us, LIGHT it up BLUE this month!

Some of you know I have a little boy, Robbie, with high functioning autism. It has been a life changing, terrifying, exhilarating, overwhelming, exciting and yet healing experience. My husband has a blog chronicling our experiences with this; if you want to check it out, click HERE.

This is how I feel about my fantastic son:

Card made using the Dude Lite Cricut Cartridge and stamp from CTMH.

I find the site Wrong Planet incredibly informative because it is made up of people who have high functioning autism/Asperger's Syndrome. This site gives me a vital perspective on things Robbie may be feeling and thinking. You may want to check it out.

Thank you so much to all of you for participating in this hop with me--I know we can make a difference! :)

Now for a quick giveaway:

Want to win a Pink ATG adhesive gun?

How to win?

1) Leave a comment below.2) That's it!

I'll draw a winner on Monday, April 4, 2011.

You should have come here from Sarah PinkCricut , if not feel free to start at the beginning of the hop here.

434 comments:

I have a nephew that I believe is high functioning/ very mild case of autism, but my SIL is refusing the diagnonis. She tries to blame many of the symptoms on other things such as ADHD. Thanks for spreading awareness.

my son has Autism he is now 29Over the years there have been many tears , some of frustration, some sadness, but so many of joy. Now people are more aware of Autisim there is a lot more understanding and acceptanceI know we can make a difference!

I am always amazed by those parents with autistic children. Such strength that they show outwardly, yet inside they are being torn apart by a disease process that we can't fully understand. Bless you for your support of Autism awareness.

My son was dx with Asperger's just after he turned 3, he now is 12 and the most awesome child. I wish the world could spend just one day looking at the world through his eyes. Thank you for spreading awareness.

Thank you for posting this. I'm somewhat of a new follower & didn't realize that you have a son with Autism. I also have a child with Autism. I have a 4 year old daughter that was lucky enough to be diagnosed super early at only 13 1/2 months with severe Autism & because of the early help we were able to give her while I say she will always have her special ways of doing some things and always have Autism, she is living a normal life and has normal friends and is doing things I was always afraid she would never be able to do. I'll have to read your blog about your son. My daughter received tons of therapy, which she has now graduated from, but is also on a very strict GFCF diet which has totally saved her life. I would love to win this & I would love to chat with you more some day. It's always interesting talking with other parents with children on the spectrum, but also so sad that more and more kids are being diagnosed. Thank you for bringing this up and bringing more awareness for Autism. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Just thought I would share a story with you some of you may already know it But others may not....My youngest son is on the Autistic sprctrum and is Very special needs.He attends a special needs school where I used to work for many years until we opened our cafe'sThis is a typical day when it was pouring with rain and the lunchtime about to end we had brought most of the children in and were taking off there coats and settling them down for the afternoon cookery session.I spied one boy still in the playground wandering around with a clear plastic jug in the rain trying to catch it in the jug.....I asked him what he was doing.The Little Angel replied matter of factly."Catching raindrops""Why are you catching the raindrops" I asked interegued."Because I'm trying to grow a rainbow"Priceless.!

My daughter was never really diagnoised as Autism but does have some of the characteristics of autism. She too is high functioning, non-verbal but has a super fantastic memory and high functioning as far as electronics is concerned, reads and can find ANY word in any newspaper article and keeps up on basball and NASCAR standings. I do scrapbooking and cardmaking and would love to win this. TFS as there is definitely strength in numbers and we are not alone.MstganeAnn

I have a nephew who is 21 and has Augsbergers. He is quite high functioning, but I know his parents have devoted so much of their lives to helping him. Unfortunately, as he was growing up there was no help available to him in our area so it's been difficult for them.

I applaud your the strength and effort in making us aware of the cause for Autism, though I may not have a child with Autism I am so much more knowledgeable because of parents like you and your husband. God, I believe chose special parents like yourselves to take care of his most precious gifts. God Bless You

What a great card - and PERFECT for your son! I'm always telling my son how great he is, too. For all the issues that he faces, he IS an amazing child with places to go in this world.Thanks for sharing all the links, too. I've never heard of Wrong Planet before.Thanks for taking part in this blog hop and helping to spread awareness.

aaww this bought tears to my eyes. thanks for the card idea! I have a coworker Dave that is a single father, his son has autism. I admire him bc he loves his son sooo much. we talk about growth, dr appointments & parenting with each other & through every conversation he smiles!! im going to make him a card! thanks again, & may many Blessings come to you & your beautiful family.

There can never be too much information spread. Thanks to all you wonderful people for taking time to have this hop in the honor of Autism.http://kathyskraftsandmore.blogspot.com/kgprevost(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

Thank you for sharing your wonderful son and your life with us.I am wearing blue and I thank God for parents like you.I also thank you for all of the artisitc inspiration.I love your card.May God truly bless your family even more.Hugs, Anita

Before becoming a full time mom, I was a preschool teacher, and before that, while in college, I worked with autistic children. I love that this blog hop is helping shine a light on the disorder for those who do not fully understand it. Bless you and your family, and all of the designers participating in this hop today :)

Your son is such a handsome little guy. Thanks for spreading the word and educating people. I have worked with adults with autism. Glad there is so much info out there today and early intervention. Although I don't know you personally, I can tell you are a great mom!

That is so great that you are doing a blog raising awareness about autism. I was in a Kindergarten classroom with a few kids with autism. Your son is so adorable. Great card. Thanks for the oppourtunity to win. And may God Bless you and your family!! AmandaAmanda.peterman at gmail dot com

Love the cute card. I went to the Wrong Planet site and then gave the link to my daughter. My grandson is high functioning in the Autism Spectrum disorder and it breaks my heart to see him have problems socially. He is still in grade school and has received extra help since he was 2, such as play therapy, etc. Thanks for your help in raising awareness of autism.

Parents who deal with autism have a special gift for sure. Your little guy is adorable. We know of a couple of autistic children and they are amazing people. Myrnap.s. a pink gun- wow- that has been on my wish list forever.

Working with children is challenging and rewarding. I'm so glad you've posted this! Kids who have PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorders) are probably the most misunderstood population around. Yet they make up a huge percentage of our population. Thanks for sharing resources!! Sandi

I loved your description of how you feel about your son. I'm thankful that there are so many people like you and your husband who selflessly give and care for these special ones. I also know that in return you all learn and receive so many blessing from them. I thank the good Lord for all you and the love and kindness you give.

My grandson was diagnosed with autism. My daughter worked and worked with him and sent him to special schools. He is 16 now and doing great. Still has some issues, but will actually look us in the eye now. What a blessing!!! Thanks for sharing all this wonderful information!

Lovin' the Blog Hop!! Your little Robbie is so darling. Loved all the blogs involved in this. I posted that is is National World Wide Austism Day on my facebook like page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Snowmanlover-Independent-Stampin-Up-Demonstrator/118284844875675with a card I made for my dear friends daughter.

Joy, I didn't know you had a son with autism, but I'm sure you are a great mom. On your videos, I've seen how you interact with your daughter. Thanks for helping bring awareness to this disease that seems to be growing at an alarming rate.

I have volunteered 3 times, so far, in Romania at a small hospital way out in the middle of nowhere in a rural area of the poorest county of a very poor country. On all 3 of my trips there was a baby, then toddler named Ionut (Johnny). I knew something was wrong with him on my 1st trip when he was new to the hospital's "failure-to-thrive" area. He was 7 months old but looked so much younger. I just thought perhaps he was a preemie originally but I knew there was more. It turned out that he was autistic which became more and more apparent on my 2nd & 3rd vounteer visits. He has since left the hospital. I don't know where he is or with whom. I just know that my heart aches for him each and every day and I hope and pray that he is getting some of the help and love he needs. Your son is so lucky to have you and your family and to be living in a country like ours where there is help both for your son and you.I love your blog and look forward to your creative endeavors every day. Thank you so much!OKScapGal3@yahoo.com

Thank you so much for the information regarding Autism. My cousin is a single Mom with a 4 year old who was recently diagnosed. She was very thankful for the information I forwarded her from you. You little guy is adorable!

Oh Joy - Robbie is absolutely adorable. He's blessed to have such a great mom like you who is so mindful and concerned about improving his life. Keep up the great work. Thanks for sharing this and helping to spread the awareness.

I've been a fan of your creativity for a few years now... and I just became a huge fan of your husband via his blog! Thanks so much for the information and awareness, as well as the continued inspiration. The whole Tracey family is awesome!

Thank you for sharing. We have a grandson and a nephew with Autism. My nephew is doing well. Our former Son-in-law moved our grandson away and we do not know where they are, we can only hope he is getting the care he deserves.

I myself have a daughter with autism PPD-NOS and by catching the no talking after 9 months and going thru a speech therapist and getting into a early intervention program at 1 1/2 years old, and continuing at a local school when she turned 3 and omg ...early intervention WORKS!!!!! if you suspect anything is wrong please call your pediatrician to start the steps..it takes a while to get started but my little girl now will be 4 in Sept ..is talking up a storm, just got potty trained and making so much progress..she now knows her alphabet and can count to like 17..I thank God everyday that I noticed the stacking, spinning in circles, temperament changes, and non talking to get her help. sorry to ramble but I hope someone who know someone with a child like this...catching early is the KEY!!!

I think it's a great idea for your husband to blob about your experiences. It is one good to have an outlet and 2 other parents with children with Autism. Your card is great. Thanks for sharing your story and card.

Joy, you are amazing! I don't know how you do it all. I wish all children with Autism had you fighting for them. Robbie is very lucky to have you! I will be linking my friends to this post so we can all learn how to make a difference!!Sincerely,Angie in Utahabcammack at q dot com

My neighbor is taking her son to the Omaha Zoo today. A group of 16 of them are going, all wearing blue t-shirts w/ a blurb about autism. Her son has a severe form of autism. It makes it hard to take him in public b/c people don't understand. She is very much so looking forward to today when they can take the whole family to the zoo, raise awareness of the diagnosis and have fun!!! My sister in law also has autism. But back in the day, no one knew what autism was. So she got labeled with learning disabilities and struggled through as best she could. But as an adult w/ higher functioning abilities, she still needs resources that don't seem to be available in her community. We have a long ways to go as a society to help this underserved group of people.

So far we have no one in the family with autism. I do, however have a daughter that has a non-profit organization and she works with the kids for one hour a week for 6 weeks on her hobby farm. The kids get to work with her miniature horses and goats. My granddaughter is going into the mental health field and has spent this year interning with children with autism at a special school. My daughter-in-law also works with these children as a para in their school district. It amazes me that there are so many children diagnosed with this and hope they can find a cure.

Thank you for sharing your story! Although I do not have a child with autism, I do have a relative and have friends with autistic kids. As a teacher, I interact with kids dealing with autism every day. I will post your links on my FB page so my friends and family will be more aware. May God Bless you and your family always! Thank you for sharing your talent with the rest of us! Your card is beautiful.

I enjoyed your post...I grew up with a neighbor that has Autism. When the doctors diagnosed him, they told his mom to accept the fact that he would never live on his own and would always need her assistance with everyday activities. She refused to accept that and today he is a highly functioning college student who lives with college buddies and getting ready to get his driver's license. He still needs assistance with some things, but with a lot of work, he has far surpassed the doctor's expectations. :-)

Joy, thank you for doing this blog hop. Autism is getting more well known but so many sweet kids deal with this and their very tired and defeated parents. I wish we could just give all those parents a hug and not judge so harshly when we don't know what it's like to deal with this on a daily basis. My daughter teaches 1st grade and one of her students has Autism and they have a very special bond. He will always have a little piece of her heart. Praying for all who deal with this. Thanks for a wonderful prize giveaway. papermemories4u @ yahoo .com

Yes, this is my second comment on this post, but I had to let you know. I went to your husband's blog. I have what I call sweet tears in my eyes - not only for your family and son and his battle with autism - but for what a wonderful and compassionate husband you have. His blog is so heart-wrenching and heart-warming! The optimism in how he writes is most assuredly conveyed to your son in his actions. That saying - Lead by Example - I think you and your husband have that down! You are truly a blessed family! Thank you for sharing and showing others the possibilities! And to think I found this because I use a Cricut! The world is amazing....jdwlo@yahoo.com

So glad you guys are spreading the word. I have a high functioning teen so I know the struggles that we go through. Our kiddos are a blessing and I’m so glad awareness is being created out there. And thanks for sharing your Autism blog. I'm gonna go check it out. )

It is wonderful that this is finally getting recognition! Check out Patrick Notley's works. He is absolutely amazing. He could inspire anyone. If you can't find it let me know and I will send a link to you. Good luck to you and your family.diane at weismanfamily dot come

My nephew is also diagnosed with autism. At 3, he had almost zero verbal language. Now, at 5, he is a chatter-bug! Hooray for the brave kids with Autism and the families who love these fantastic little people!

Oh Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This touches my heart. Our 6 year old grandson has Aspergers we just found out about three months ago. We have known for about 4 years that there was something wrong but his mother didn’t want to find out. But she went to a family reunion and her sister is a nurse and she took her aside and told her it wasn’t her fault. BUT we must help Jacob so get him tested. They did and this boy is so loving and gentle and carring, a differentic from day and night. He is very loving and doesn’t act out anymore. He still don’t like changes, large group of people in one place. Everything has it place and we don’t change that. This is a cause close to my heart.

Thank you so much Sarah for another chance to win. This win would be for Jacob.

Sincerely

Donna Scrapp’n Nananana2beof5@gmail.comhttp://scrappnana.blogspot.com/http://www.mycmsite.com/dmdegraw want to look,I would love you too.

What a handsome young man!! You are so lucky. I taught for 42 years and it wasn't until the last 10 that autism appeared to surface. They are a challenge, but yet so rewarding. I wish you only the best.

I work with children with autism. I have a one on one in the morning and then I work with a group of children in the afternoon. I love helping these kids. It is a joy to watch them connect the dots no matter how small the achievement!I would love to win some blog candy.Alisonfourkidstwocats at msn dot com

Thank you for sharing your story with us. Robbie is adorable. I will be praying for your family. We need to find out the cause of autism. My month of cards will all be blue with a reminder of what the blue stands for.Thank youLinda in Stanwood

It is amazing how autism affects so many of our lives even if we do not have an austic child ourselves. I admire your strength and courage to overcome the many challenges you and your family face every day as you still give to all of us! Thank you!

I am so happy you and others are bringing awareness to Autism. So many people are un aware. They think that if the child acts out the parent is no doing their job. My grand daughter is 5 and diagnosed with autism. She is beautiful, creative and a blessing to our family but it is so hard for her mom when people don't understand...she said she wished she had a neon sign saying "She is Autsic not miss behaving". Thank you for offering this place to share.

As a teacher who has worked with Autisic children, I LOVED reading your husband's blog. One of the boys I taught was SOOO creative. We would do art projects together in class! Thanks for the chance to win something that would entice him to continue his creativity!

Hi Joy - I am so glad you all are doing this hop! Autism is very near and dear to me also as I have a nephew who has been diagnosed. He is high functioning also, does not do a lot of the "typical" things like the rocking, etc. They didn't even diagnose him until the age of 7.

I love your card! What a great image - i have never even heard of that cartridge :)

I am the mother of 21 year old son with autism. He graduates from school this May and then will be employed at a developemental disabilites workshop on the same campus! Our challenges have been many but our rewards even more so!So very proud of our boy! Thanks for the autism awareness hop...and the opportunity to win!Teresa Blue

I hope that soon the women of this world will step up for autism like they have for breast cancer and get the research money raised we need to prevent this! Thanks for stepping up! cjdempsey9 at msn dot com

Hi, Joy, TFS for sharing about Autism and your son. I am a high school teacher and we are given limited training for these students. I know it's an ongoing process to learn but reading blogs like yours really does help. Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to win.Hugs and blessings, Jeannie

Thanks for sharing your story. I just wonder why there are so many more children these days with autism? Is it something in the air/water? Is it better testing? Whatever the reason, I continue to donate in hopes that the reason (or reasons) will be found.

Love your card, Joy, as would any little boy!! As a former teacher, I've seen firsthand the effects of autism, and the triumphs of many autistic students! These children can succeed with supportive and knowledgeable adults surrounding them and cheering them on!!!

Nice card and good cause. My best friend is teaches high school classes for childen on the autism spectrum. I told her the other day that there is a special place in heaven for her for what she does everyday!

I found the blog very informative. My daughter's boyfriend works with special needs children. His passion and strength seems to be with the children who have autism. I think we have a long way to go before we fully understand this disease, but thanks to this intelligent and compassionate man we are learning more about it. I encourage everyone to learn what they can. It will eventually touch someone you know. God bless and have a great day!

I've been wondering if my granddaughter is on the spectrum. My daughter has attended so many meetings at school, had EEG's to rule out epilepsy and is now trying to get her in to see a neurological pychiatrist.

Oh it's a small world my eldest is an Aspie (Aspergers sufferer) he is 11 now so we are going through the junior to senior school transition which has bought up issues. I don'y know how old your DS is but it may not get easier but it is worth every second I wouldn't change my DS for the world x

Joy Love the fact that this hop is making so many people aware of the different sides of Autisim. I was first exposed to autisim 40 years ago when a new friend took me home to meet her family. Her younger brother who was 7 at the time was austistic, this influenced my joining Yarc (yah way back it was Youth Association for Retarted children) and now I work in an outpatient mental Health clinic we see all forms of this in children and grown ups. Love the projects and your are right every child is precious. Debbiedebbie_craine at hot mail dot com

Very nice card and blog hop to bring awareness to Autism. I have never been around anyone with Autism and his information is very helpful. Thanks for sharing the information. I also was unawre of your son having Autism. Also, thanks for the chance to win the ATG.JoAnn

Such a precious little boy. There are many of us who don't know much about autism, thanks for raising awareness. The more we know and understand the better it is for all of us. I like your card very much.

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Unless otherwise stated within the post, this is my original work. Please feel free to use as inspiration for your own personal use, but do not use for publication, contest/message board entries, or to sell. If my work inspires a work of your own, please give credit by posting a link to my blog. Thank you!

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